Publications
Nanoporous thin-film membranes from block-polymers : using self-consistent field theory calculations to guide polymer synthesis
The controlled self-assembly of polymer thin-films into ordered domains has attracted significant academic and industrial interest. Most work has focused on controlling domain size and morphology through modification of the polymer block-lengths, n, and the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter, {chi}. Models, such as Self-Consistent Field Theory (SCFT), have been successful in describing the experimentally observed morphology of phase-separated polymers. We have developed a computational method which uses SCFT calculations as a predictive tool in order to guide our polymer synthesis. Armed with this capability, we have the ability to select {chi} and then search for an ideal value of n such that a desired morphology is the most thermodynamically favorable. This approach enables us to synthesize new block-polymers with the exactly segment lengths that will undergo self-assembly to the desired morphology. As proof-of-principle we have used our model to predict the gyroidal domain for various block lengths using a fixed {chi} value. To validate our computational model, we have synthesized a series of block-copolymers in which only the total molecular length changes. All of these materials have a predicted thermodynamically favorable gyroidal morphology based on the results of our SCFT calculations. Thin-films of these polymers are cast and annealed in order to equilibrate the structure. Final characterization of the polymer thin-film morphology has been performed. The accuracy of our calculations compared to experimental results is discussed. Extension of this predictive ability to tri-block polymer systems and the implications to making functionalizable nanoporous membranes will be discussed.